wight_wedding_days

Embracing Timeless Traditions: Adding Unique Flair to Your Wedding

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:51:15 GMT

As the old adage goes, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." These words have echoed through generations of brides, encapsulating the essence of classic wedding traditions.

But have you ever wondered about the origins behind these customs? Join us on a journey through time as we explore the rich tapestry of wedding traditions and superstitions, and discover how to infuse your special day with a touch of uniqueness.

Something Old, Something New:

This age-old tradition dates back to Victorian England and symbolizes continuity and optimism for the future. While the "something old" represents the bride's connection to her past and her family's history, the "something new" embodies hope and the promise of a bright future with her partner. To personalize this tradition, consider incorporating heirloom jewelry or vintage accessories passed down through generations.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue:

Steeped in folklore and superstition, this tradition is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The "something borrowed" is typically an item lent from a happily married friend or family member, symbolizing borrowed happiness and prosperity. Meanwhile, the "something blue" represents purity, fidelity, and love. Get creative with this tradition by sewing a blue ribbon into your dress, wearing blue shoes, or carrying a blue bouquet.

The Silver Sixpence:

This charming custom originated in England and symbolises wealth and financial security for the newlyweds. Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe is said to ensure prosperity and a fruitful union. While the use of actual coins may have dwindled over time, couples can adapt this tradition by incorporating a silver charm or token into their footwear, serving as a timeless reminder of their love and commitment.

Adding Your Own Twist:

While honoring classic wedding traditions adds a sense of nostalgia and romance to your special day, don't be afraid to infuse your wedding with unique customs that reflect your personalities and cultural heritage. Whether it's a ceremonial tree planting, a sand unity ceremony, or a handfasting ritual, there are countless ways to make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind.

Exploring Isle of Wight's Wedding Scene:

Planning a wedding on the picturesque Isle of Wight? Look no further than Wight Wedding Days for all your wedding needs. Our comprehensive directory features a diverse range of wedding suppliers, from stunning venues and talented caterers to skilled photographers and experienced hairdressers. Visit our Directory on this website and let us help you create the wedding of your dreams.

While classic wedding traditions serve as timeless symbols of love and commitment, don't hesitate to add your own unique flair to your special day. Whether you're embracing age-old customs or creating new ones, your wedding should reflect your personalities and love story. With the help of Wight Wedding Days, your Isle of Wight wedding will be an unforgettable celebration of love, joy, and cherished traditions.

You're Engaged, Now What?

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:51:36 GMT

A Guide to Planning Your Dream Wedding

Congratulations! You've just said "yes" to the love of your life, and you're officially engaged. This exciting moment marks the beginning of a beautiful journey together, but it also initiates the intricate process of planning your dream wedding. While the prospect of wedding planning can be daunting, don't worry – we're here to guide you through the essential steps to ensure your big day is as magical as you've always imagined.

Celebrate and Share the Joy

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of wedding planning, take some time to bask in the joy of your engagement. Share the exciting news with your family and closest friends in person or through heartfelt phone calls and video chats. Host an engagement party, if you wish, to celebrate this significant milestone with your loved ones.

Define Your Vision

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day. To get started, sit down with your partner and discuss your ideas, preferences, and priorities. Consider the type of wedding you want – whether it's an intimate destination wedding, a grand ballroom affair, a rustic barn celebration, or something entirely different. Be sure to align your vision with your budget to set realistic expectations.

Create a Wedding Budget

Budgeting is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Determine how much you're willing to spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding, such as venue, catering, attire, and entertainment. Having a clear budget from the beginning will help you make informed decisions and avoid financial stress later on.

Set a Date

Choosing a wedding date can be a bit tricky, as it often depends on various factors like venue availability, seasonal preferences, and personal significance. Once you have a rough idea of your preferred date, consult with your family and close friends to ensure it works for them as well. Keep in mind that popular wedding dates may require booking venues and vendors well in advance.

Choose Your Wedding Party

Selecting your wedding party is a special part of the journey. Decide who you want by your side on your big day, whether it's family, friends, or a mix of both. Make sure to ask your chosen bridesmaids and groomsmen in a meaningful way – perhaps with personalized gifts or a heartfelt letter.

Start Researching Vendors

Researching and booking vendors is a significant part of the wedding planning process. Consider hiring professionals for services like photography, videography, catering, florals, and entertainment. Read reviews, request quotes, and meet with potential vendors to ensure they align with your vision and budget.

Of course, the best place to start is right here: the Wight Wedding Days directory !

Choose Your Venue

Selecting the perfect wedding venue is a crucial decision. Visit potential venues to get a feel for the space and envision your wedding day there. Ensure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably and offers the amenities you desire. Remember to inquire about any restrictions, such as preferred vendors or noise ordinances.

Plan Your Guest List

Creating a guest list can be a challenging task, as it often involves balancing your desires with your budget and venue capacity. Start by making a list of essential family and friends, and then prioritize additional guests based on your budget and space constraints.

Shop for Your Wedding Attire

Shopping for your wedding attire is an exciting step in the planning process. Visit bridal boutiques or tuxedo shops to find the perfect wedding gown or suit. Don't forget to consider accessories, shoes, and alterations.

Send Save-the-Dates

Once you have your date and venue locked in, send save-the-date cards to your guests. This will give them ample time to mark their calendars and make any necessary arrangements to attend your wedding.

Planning your dream wedding can be a complex and time-consuming endeavour, but it's also a beautiful journey that allows you to express your love and commitment to each other in a meaningful way. Remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding planning, and it's essential to stay true to your vision and values throughout the process. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family, and don't be afraid to seek help from professionals when needed. Your wedding day will be a reflection of your love story, and with careful planning and a touch of creativity, it will be a day to remember for a lifetime.

Weddings are back on!

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:11:38 GMT

The latest announcement from the government has left hope for many of us and the planning of our dream weddings for the summer of 2021!

It’s hard to predict what will happen with everything that the last 12 months have thrown at us, which is why we feel it is best to take everything with a pinch of salt. In the best-case scenario, we will be able to have large weddings from 21st June, but there is a caution to this tale…

We do not doubt that your wedding will reflect both of your personalities down to a T, especially with the amount of time you’ve had to think about it, but do you want one big shebang this summer? Remember, we might be out of the woods by then, but other countries are still struggling through their own restrictions and lockdowns. Additionally, there is no telling how people will feel after easing restrictions. Covid isn’t going anywhere and understandably many people may be wary of large gatherings. You may want to consider this for friends and family members that you want to share this special day.

Fear not, there are ways around this issue, let’s take a look at what you can do;

Add another chapter to your wedding story!
Why have one big day when you can have two? We all love a good party, but that’s not what marks this celebration. We know that all you want is to join with the person that makes you whole. So, why not have a smaller ceremony with the legal binding of your love with a few close family members and friends, and plan for a big party further down the line when everyone can join you.
Virtual Wedding
It’s such a simple but effective way to connect, and with today’s technology, there are so many options. You could opt for the full wedding video accompanied by a LIVE stream of the ceremony or LIVE to stream the entire thing, and don’t forget that record button to keep track of those priceless memories. The great thing about LIVE streaming is that you can have several different phones/cameras working at once, giving a 3-dimensional element to your special day for loved ones that can’t be there.
Hangfire?
Granted, this may not be the most appealing option for those of you that have already postponed weddings as a result of the pandemic. It’s hard to say what will happen after the complete ease of restrictions, in the best-case scenario, 2022 will see the return of spontaneous holidays and mass gatherings with people acclimatising themselves to our new reality. This is why 2022 and 2023 are shaping up to be jam-packed years for the wedding trade.

Just remember; this day is about you and that special someone, and there is no wrong choice so long as you both agree.

Your bouquet - to throw or not to throw

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 18:05:30 GMT

Is this really the time to mess with tradition?

So it comes to that point where you are talking to your venue, wedding planner, or your florist about the itinerary for the day and start to discuss factoring in time for throwing your bouquet. Some people feel it’s tradition to throw the bouquet, with your back turned on the gathering hoards of your single female guests all standing feigning impartial desire to be the one that catches it, and so securing the luck that will ensure they are…next. The fact that they strategically placed themselves next to the woman shorter than them and at good elbow-to-the-head height, is neither here nor there.

I have to admit that when I have been at a wedding and someone has decided they are going to throw their beautiful bouquet, even the venue staff press their faces against the glass to capture a little of the atmosphere. In these modern times anything goes and you can pick and choose which ‘traditions’ you would like to make an appearance at your Wight Wedding Day, and the bouquet throw is one of them.

It can largely be dependent on what type of bouquet you choose, as there are a growing number of styles to be had. Fresh flowers being the popular favourite with other such options as buttons, jewellery, fabric flowers, sweets and edibles or a handful of something that represents who you are. Each as lovely as the next and complimentary in expressing yourself and your relationship with your husband-to-be.

Each of these require consideration for the angle of throw, the resulting speed they fly through the air at, the direction they may go in and whether upon impact they will draw blood or break into too many pieces to pick up (advice is not to throw a button and jewellery bouquet). Don’t forget the fact that you may well pull a muscle from an enthusiastic throw.

Then again you may well be able to throw it at your maid of honour who happens to be with a dashing chap who hasn’t quite gotten round to proposing. Don’t forget the look on the +1’s faces as the lady they accompanied catches the bouquet! You could be the creator of those.

We are told by ourwedding.com that traditionally in the 14th century, women rushed at the bride to tear off a piece of her dress for luck! Thankfully we have moved on and your beautiful dresses should be left well alone (apart from the odd tug from a toddler perhaps), and now you can choose to throw something of meaning to the wide-eyed athletes that your female guests briefly turn into.

If this all seems like too much excitement, then why not save your bouquet to have pride of place on the top table. Save your luck making/match making efforts for when you are pushing people together to join you in your first dance.

In the meantime, if you are still deciding on which type of bouquet you would like then take a look at our mood board on Pinterest to get the thoughts going. We always love seeing you on your wedding day so feel free to send us a picture of your bouquet throw.

Wight Wedding Days X

All images courtesy of © Silk Wedding Photography

Wedding Day Make up

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:47:27 GMT

Our Katie in the bridal consultation hot seat.

Make up by: Isle of Wight Make Up and Face Paint

Photography by: Neil Hunt Photography

I’ve never really been one for wearing make up all the time, this is mainly because I haven’t quite got to grips with what I’m doing when it comes to all the different products. There are so many options available and my skin never seems to know what’s best for it. There are times during the winter when I’ll develop noticeably dry skin; then, come the spring it’ll be oily and no make-up will be required during the summer months. Basically – I’m making excuses for being a bit lazy when it comes to making myself up.

Of course, there are people getting married out there who will have different commandments and routines when it comes to skin and body care. Some apply a minimal amount, some slather it on; some care for their skin daily and some only on special occasions, or when they have time. I know some people who are so up-to-date on make up brands and preparatory products that they are able to apply make up as beautifully as a professional. Sadly, unless I go for a talent transplant some time soon, I can only dream of ever being able to make myself look catwalk beautiful on my own.

If like me, you think you might like the help of a professional make-up artist on your wedding day and you want to know what to expect without paying for a demonstration, I went through it for you.

Jo Lofthouse of Isle of Wight Make up and Facepaint offered to help me to experience and understand what happens during a bridal consultation. Offering to give the full effect as she would with any bride or member of the bridal party, so I can give an insight into what the process would be (this blog post). Hopefully, this will help demonstrate the fantastic benefits of using a professional make up artist, especially for any future brides who have never had their make up done professionally.

As most of my friends will know, I understand very little about make up, but am keen to learn how to deal with the troublesome areas of my face – and no, surgery is not an option thank you very much. Two weeks ahead of the photo shoot I am frantically emailing Jo asking for advice on what I should do with my skin before the photo shoot – I’m keen to warn her about all of the parts of my face she might find difficult, for instance: my red cheeks will flush for any reason – I usually control this with a green ‘undercoat’, the little red marks starting to appear on my face as I get closer to 30, scars caused by my impatience with the odd spot, oh and let’s not forget the wrinkles. I’m starting to understand the stress experienced by some brides ahead of their wedding day, especially when I focus on the fact that Neil Hunt will be photographing the whole process for all you lovely wedding planners to see!

Jo gives me some advice on how to care for my skin as part of a long-term routine and is able to tell me what I can do to prepare ahead of the consultation. It turns out, a couple of the elements of the routine are things I should have been doing for years; cleanse tone and moisturise every day, and with 2 weeks to go I heed the good advice and start making the changes I can at this late stage. Jo advised that you should not make any drastic changes to your routine too close to the wedding day (in my case consultation). It seems that even if you’re happy with your normal skincare routine, there are lots of little changes a bride can make in the lead up to the big day which will create a good canvas for the wedding day make up. I’ll be blogging Jo’s full advice as a separate post after this one as there are some great useful tips in there. Reading this back I paint quite a bad picture of myself, so I’m glad I’ve got Jo to help paint a better one.

If you choose to use a professional make up artist on your wedding day then you have the choice of getting ready in your home or at the venue. More often than not you will have your bridesmaids, some family and your photographer with you. Most people ask their photographer to capture images of this time getting ready together and enjoying the morning preparations. Although I won’t be getting into a wedding dress today (I’m not engaged and wouldn’t want to tempt fate or scare anyone), the moment everyone sees the bride with her hair finished, make up done, accessories and wedding dress on, bouquet in hand, is usually one of the most magical and teary parts of the day. Neil Hunt has kindly offered to photograph today’s consultation at the lovely Weston Manor in Totland Bay to show how he would capture this part of the day, although there won’t be any tears today. Well only if I forget to take cake with me for everyone.

We arrive at Weston Manor (flapjack and chocolate brownies in hand) and it is a wee bit cold, but the heating soon kicks in and we start to warm up. Not that you can tell by the colour of my nose! They both have quite a bit of kit, but unsurprisingly it is Jo who has the most. I’ve never seen so many different products in one large bag on wheels. I’m sure she wouldn’t notice if.I.Just......she definitely would, and I wouldn’t make a quick escape with such a huge bag. So while they set up, I make myself useful and prepare tea for us all before Jo and I get settled on the sofa to talk skin and make up. I had been dreading it a little bit but to be honest it is hard not to feel comfortable and at ease in Jo’s presence.

First off Jo lets me know that to begin with when meeting a bride for the consultation the conversation will quite quickly turn to how wedding planning has been going up until that point, and she can find herself going over lots of the wedding details and feelings. This is great as Jo can get an idea of what the wedding is going to look like, how you are feeling about your wedding day and how your wedding day make up will fit in with that. All that information helps Jo form a picture of what type of make up might be best for you and your wedding day, she details this on her consultation form, along with the formalities like date of consultation and wedding, name and the people who plan to have professional make up the same day as you do. It’s surprising to talk about how many different details could affect the decision on which make up would be best for you. Anything from colour scheme, wedding theme, dress style and shape, hairstyle, bouquet and headpiece or veil. Most importantly, it will always be a look that you feel comfortable with and suits you. As I don’t have a wedding to plan I throw a few ideas around that are trends for this year – emerald green theme (BIG colour trend for 2013), I’d like to wear more make up as I am a moisturise, mascara and blusher kind of girl so a change would be nice and I’ll be wearing a flower garland hairpiece and my hair down.

After chatting to Jo I feel more than at ease and we start to talk about the problem areas/insecurities I have regarding my skin and applying make up. I mentioned a few earlier so I won’t bore you with them again, but Jo already starts to make suggestions on how you can make the space between your eye lid and eyebrow appear smaller and I find myself taking mental notes for my own future efforts. It starts to act as a learning experience.

After discussing as much detail as possible about the day, my skin type, my normal make up habits and what I think I want my wedding make up to be like, we make our way to where Jo has set up shop in good light for Neil to get some images of the action. Jo explains that although the black gown is what all brides will be covered with when applying their make up, the make up looks completely different when that comes off and you are wearing your wedding dress. It makes a huge difference. Now I came prepared with no make up on (brave aren’t I) but Jo will start by removing any make up you have on and any residual dirt. At this point I haven’t even noticed that Neil has been snapping away whilst we talked and got started on applying the make up. Just what you want at this point in your day when you have a lot whirring through your mind and are trying to relax whilst having your make up applied. I don’t know about you, but I find having my hair or make up done by someone else is very relaxing, and I can imagine it would be a nice treat the morning of your wedding when you can do nothing but sit and relax, with a glass of something.

Starting with basics, we go from a primer (never found its way into my make up bag) to which foundation shade will suit me. Jo starts with 6 different shades and tries to get it down to 2 potentials. Already I can see that Jo is very thorough and although there is a running discussion on what is happening now and next because I will be writing this post, this is something she will naturally be doing as you receive your consultation. By explaining each step I feel I am understanding why each product is used and what it will do for me. I’m starting to realise just how much knowledge Jo has, her passion for her work and also how much time is spent during a consultation getting every element right. In addition to that, she is also mindful that you’ll want to look your best in your photos so ensuring that you avoid highly reflective products or glittery effect make up and anything with a UV protection in, as the flash will bounce right off you and cause all sorts of additional work for your photographer before he sends you those images.

I’m a bit of a talker so I find myself, in between Jo and I nattering, asking Neil all about his photography work and how he captures this part of a wedding day where the bride has her make up done in what might seem like organised chaos, or not sometimes. Neil is very professional and comments how the start of a wedding day can be different every time and that he takes the house, room or hotel as he finds it whether it be calm and relaxed or a little busy with people, clothing and the general madness that can be going on while everyone gets ready. Neil tends to try and keep out of the way and let what is going on just happen. If dresses and make up and bags are in the background of the shots he wants, himself and his assistant will move them out of the way to make sure you get a lovely photo that doesn’t include any kind of ‘getting ready’ paraphernalia. As I am starting to experience, it takes time to apply the make up and then there is hair and getting dresses on and letting your dad/mum/brother or sister see you ready for the first time, so there are lots of great opportunities for Neil to take advantage of those moments for great images.

Now after discussing the colour ideas during the first part of the consultation and after spending a little time talking to Neil about how he works, I find we are at the point where Jo is applying my eye make-up. At different points I have to look in certain directions and sometimes I want to blink but Jo carries on despite my talking and fidgeting. Jo is being very meticulous in the way she applies the make up and there is a lot of throw away applicators, which I hadn’t thought of before. For hygiene purposes and to remove any sharing (I always tell my sisters they shouldn’t use my mascara!!) Jo uses disposable mascara brushes, all her brushes are separated into sets so she is always ready to go with a fresh clean set of brushes and applicators. I’m starting to see how much value there is in the price charged for the consultation and wedding day attendance as you see how much time, products and accessories go into it, before you talk about skills and training. Jo explains that a wedding consultation can be anything from 2 - 4 hours and that she will stay until a decision has been made and the bride and any others are completely happy with the finished look. The time spent on the consultation is essential to Jo being able to achieve the same exact look on your wedding in a shorter time frame, as she is conscious you have hair, dress, shoes, photos and a ceremony to get to. Jo says she will also find herself helping other members with their bridal make up as they get ready around you, and as she only takes on one wedding for any day she has no rush and is happy to help. Neil would be with you for most of this time and then he would head off to the ceremony venue to capture the arrival of the grooms and groomsmen and the guests they will be greeting. The way his pricing works is that you choose an amount of time you would like him to be at your wedding, and when he would start and finish would decide if he was their for the wedding preparations in the morning.

We are almost near the end of the consultation and I have found myself relaxed and quite enjoying myself, even as some individual false lashes are applied to the outer edge of my eye and Jo finishes off the colour for my lips. An added extra offered by Jo, is that she provides the bride or bridesmaid with a little emergency kit including a lip gloss in the right shade to touch up through the day, some blotting paper to rid of any shine that might be developing and a straw so a drink won't ruin your your lips for the perfect pictures. A lifesaver for some I expect. Jo also carries a toolkit of emergency essentials that might help you with more than your make up on the day.

Jo gives me the first look at the result (I avoided the mirrors throughout to get a before and after experience) but assures me that there can be more blending, changing of colours used or even a complete removal of all make up if needed. Until the bride is happy Jo won’t stop. I really like the end result and of course I have gone from no make up and a slightly red cold nose and face to having a wedding day ready make up look, so the before and after is quite dramatic coupled with the fact I don’t normally wear a lot of make up. I really like it and can see where Jo has considered my insecurities or quests to do something a little different. I now understand how having my hair professionally styled and putting on a beautiful wedding dress would really bring everything together. However, I won’t be getting into a wedding dress today but did bring along some Dornellie headpieces to try on and be photographed in. I am by no stretch of the imagination a model and never in my wildest dreams will I ever be, but the chance to at least dress my hair slightly with such a beautiful hand made piece allows me to show the difference in wearing black or white and how it changes the way I look. The headpieces are something to talk about as beautiful bespoke handmade pieces, which could be tailored specifically to you and your wedding. I feel very privileged that Karen allowed me the use of them for the day.

The whole experience has made me understand how essential it is to feel comfortable with your make up on your wedding day, and to have met and perhaps even had an engagement shoot with your wedding photographer, to become better acquainted and feel more at ease with being in front of the camera. There is so much else to think about that if those two things aren’t a worry to you then you can take the rest on (or your bridesmaid can). Jo has spent about 2 and a half hours with me and if I wanted to change any part of my make up she would be happy to then do so (I don’t and I’m pleased with the final look, but maybe if it was my wedding day I would be trying other looks just to make sure).

Neil has been great and after suffering some of the day listening to Jo and I rabbiting on about slightly more girly things, he has made the most of a great venue and the natural light available and through his direction has managed to make a rather stiff and self conscious subject (That’s me) look quite ok. I’ll never say I look good or imply I am modelling but I definitely got the bridal treatment from both and can safely say that I was excited but nervous to see the images. There are some I haven’t included, as it was rather windy that day and my hair did all sorts of crazy things. I really enjoyed myself and stepping into the shoes of a bride-to-be has given me insight into how essential your make up and photography are. I also hope this has offered you an understanding of how wedding make up will work for you and whether it is a service you would like to take up.

I want to thank Weston Manor for allowing us to use their venue for our consultation and shoot. It is a venue available for weddings and is licenced for civil ceremonies. Of course, Karen Robb of Dornellie for lending me the headpieces you see above. They are handmade unique pieces you can have made for your wedding day.

Most importantly if you would like more information from Jo on prices, availability for this year and any other, which products she uses or any specific questions you have then contact Jo through the Isle of Wight Make up and Face Paint profile in the directory.

If you would like to know more about Neil’s prices, to view previous weddings he has photographed or find out if he is available for your wedding day, then do go to the Neil Hunt Photography profile in the directory.

I really enjoyed the whole day and am really pleased with the photos from it. I hope you have found it a useful insight into having your make up professionally applied, I know I have.

Katie – Wight Wedding Days X X X

Oh go on then, here are the crazy pictures……..

(Not quite the pop video pose it could be.....)

The benefits of choosing a bespoke wedding dress

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 07:04:44 GMT

Isle of Wight Wedding Dresses

Choosing a wedding dress is never easy - it can take a lot of time and money to find your dream dress. With the cost of commissioning a ‘made to measure’ wedding dress often falling in line, if not cheaper than some of the top Designer brands, we think brides would be barmy not to consider spending money on a dress that’s tailor made to their body and taste.

We got in touch with the lovely Katrina Rigby at Forget Me Not Designs to find out what goes into choosing a bespoke dress and to discuss the merits of this option vs off-the-peg designer frocks.

Well here's the thing...is there a difference? All dresses are made one at a time even if they are made in huge production numbers. So why not create that ‘one dress’ to perfectly fit the girl who is going to wear it.

The obvious difference would of course be the quality of the finished product, but if you could be sure that it would match the quality of an ‘off-the-peg’ dress with the bonus of a perfect, tailored fit wouldn't that be great?

This is exactly what Forget me Not Designs does. These professional dressmakers have been designing, producing and selling wedding dresses from their premises in Ryde for the last 24 years, for brides all over the UK and Europe. Forget me Not is every inch a Designer label in its own right.

When you walk into Forget me Not, you are met with a beautiful collection of silk and lace dresses, showcased in calm and luxurious surroundings. You’re greeted by a friendly face, albeit slightly puffed having run up the stairs from the workshops - we all know that running any business is never as easy as it might seem, but these ladies seem to do whatever it takes to smile through all the hard work!

With bespoke wedding dresses, it’s very common for brides to be a little nervous when it comes to trying them on, so the team at Forget me Not know how important it is to help customers feel totally at ease. Like all the best bridal boutiques, these pros will let you choose any dresses you’re keen to try on and help you get in to them. Don't worry if you are not a perfect 10, they can make nearly all brides look like they fit perfectly into the samples (without the use of Car wash sponges or bulldog clips!) Once you have tried on a few dresses you will soon get an idea of what you don't like and the ladies at Forget me Not can advise further dresses for you to try on, following this feedback. What you see in the mirror will help this process of elimination and help steer you towards your perfect dress.

You might end up falling for the designer dress on the rail just as you see it. Or you might wish to make a few minor tweaks to the cut in order to get a better fall line in the fabric. You may end up liking the top half of one dress and the skirt of another and the fabric of the first one you tried on. Well, that's all good too! They will take these elements and turn them into your dream dress The best bit is that you will know what it is going to look like as a finished design, because you have chosen all your favourite cuts from the sample dresses. Et Voila! You are a dress Designer. As the designers always aim to create the perfect dress they will be honest and advise if your ideas are not going to look quite right, or could be improved one way or another.

Remember, if you go to a high end Designer Store in London you will be doing the same thing, trying on samples that don’t perfectly fit and trying to imagine what it would look like if it clung to you like a glove. You then have to have it altered when it arrives, at extra cost, or even pay silly money at the outset for something made-to-measure. You are still quite unlikely to ever see either the designer or the person who will actually be making the alterations. At least with Forget me Not, you know you’ll be heavily involved in the designing process, have a chance to review the progress at each fitting, and end up with a perfectly tailored dress, all for the same price!

Roughly half of Forget me Not’s brides come from "mainland England" following friends' recommendations, or having seen their stunning work at the National Wedding Show, so go on - they must be worth a visit.